Bylaws of the Associated Students of Western Washington University
A Nonprofit Association
July, 2007
ARTICLE I. Name and Objective of the Association
Section 1. Name: This association shall be known as the Associated Students of Western Washington University,
hereinafter called the ASWWU.
Section 2. Objective: The ASWWU exists to support leadership development; ensure student representation in
decisions that impact students; provide resources, activities and information for students; and provide opportunities for
students to organize themselves around their special interests, in order to further achieve the mission of the University
and complement classroom education.
ARTICLE II. Membership
Section 1. Qualification: The membership of the ASWWU shall consist of those persons who are currently enrolled
students at Western Washington University.
Section 2. Assignment of Rights of Membership: No rights or privileges of membership in the ASWWU, including that
of the right to vote, shall be assignable by any member. Each member shall have one (1) vote at a meeting of the
whole members.
ARTICLE III. Government of the ASWWU
Section 1. Board of Directors: The general management of the funds, affairs and property of the ASWWU shall be
vested in a Board of Directors, who shall be elected and shall serve as provided in these Bylaws. The number of
directors shall be seven (7), selected as set forth in Article V. of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Officers: The officers of the ASWWU shall consist of a President, Vice President for Business &
Operations, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Legislative & Governmental Affairs, Vice President
for Activities, Vice President for Diversity and a Vice President for Student Life, who shall be elected to these positions
concurrently as Directors as provided in Article V., Section 4. of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE IV. Meetings
Section 1. Meetings of the Members: Meetings may be held from time to time upon notice issued by the Board of
Directors. Meetings of the members of the ASWWU shall be called by the Board of Directors upon receipt of a written
petition requesting the same signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the total members of the ASWWU. Notice of
such meetings shall be printed in the Western Front, or its successor, and posted in the following public places in a
conspicuous manner, not less than ten (10) days previous thereto: Viking Union Building, Viking Union Market,
Associated Students Co-op Bookstore, Old Main Building, and Miller’s Coffee Shop.
Section 2. Quorum for Members Meeting: At any meeting of the ASWWU five percent (5%) of all the members shall
constitute a quorum.
Section 3. Failure to Have Quorum: If a quorum is not present, the presiding officer may adjourn the meeting to a day
and hour fixed by that person.
Section 4. Meetings of the Board of Directors: Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President
whenever in his/her judgment it may be deemed necessary or upon request of any two (2) members of the Board of
Directors. Twenty-four (24) hours notice of meetings of the Board of Directors shall be sent to all Directors and shall
be deemed sufficient notice of such meetings. In addition, the time and place of Directors' meetings shall be
publicized in advance of the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum for Board Meeting: A majority of the currently seated Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.
2
Section 6. Voting: In order for a motion to pass, it must obtain a majority of the legal votes cast, but not less than four
(4) affirmative votes. An abstention shall not count as a legal vote cast.
ARTICLE V. Organization of the ASWWU
Section 1. Management of the ASWWU: The Board of Directors shall have general charge and management of the
affairs, funds, and property of the ASWWU. The Board shall have full power and it shall be the Board's duty to carry
out the purposes of the ASWWU according to its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
a. Financial Maintenance of the ASWWU: The Board of Directors shall in good faith work to maintain the
financial health of the organization through careful appropriations of all monies governed by the Board as
set forth by policy.
b. Appropriation of Uncommitted Dollars: Uncommitted dollars are those dollars that are accumulated on a
one-time basis and because of the unstable nature of these dollars they are not viable for incorporation
into the budgetary process. The Board shall not use these dollars to fund on-going programs but shall use
them for one-time purchases or investments for the organization as a whole.
Section 2. Councils Established: General charge and management of the affairs, funds and property of the ASWWU
in certain specific areas shall be delegated to councils established by the Board of Directors. Councils are hereby
established and authority delegated for matters set forth below:
a. Activities Council: To establish policies and coordinate a wide range of student activities, programs, and
organizations. Distribute available programming monies according to guidelines developed by the Board
of Directors.
b. Facilities & Services Council: To establish policies and oversee the operations of the Bookstore, Viking
Union, Lakewood, and any other facilities or services provided by the ASWWU for the university
community.
c. Legislative Affairs Council: To increase student involvement, formulate policies and positions of the
ASWWU relating to legislative activities, community governance and relations, national affairs and
external matters.
d. Student Senate: To serve as an advisory council to the ASWWU Board of Directors and to increase
student input and involvement in the Board’s decision-making process.
e. University Services Council: To formulate and oversee university policies and procedures governing
various student activities and programs for the mutual benefit of the members of the ASWWU. The
Council is an all-University Council reporting to the ASWWU Board of Directors. A two-thirds (2/3)
majority of the Board is required to secure changes in policies established or recommended by the
University Services Council.
Section 4. Directors Positions: The seven (7) members of the Board of Directors of the ASWWU shall be elected to
the following designated titles and shall concurrently serve in the following official capacities:
• President of the Associated Students; Chair of the Board of Directors
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Business & Operations; Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Academic Affairs
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Legislative & Governmental Affairs
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Activities
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Diversity
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Student Life
3
Section 5. Board Members: Shall be elected by the members of the ASWWU at-large. The term of office of each
director shall be one (1) year, or until a qualified successor is elected. The terms of Directors holding positions shall
be concurrent; each term commencing on the Monday of finals week of spring quarter of the current year and ending
on the Sunday prior to finals week of the following spring quarter.
Section 6. Vacancies: In the event of a vacancy in the position of President, the Vice President for Business &
Operations shall assume that position. In the event a vacancy exists in both the President and the Vice President for
Business & Operations, the Vice President for Diversity shall assume the President’s position on an interim basis until
a special election is held to fill the vacancies. If a vacancy exists in the Vice President for Business & Operations, a
special election shall be held to fill the vacancy. If other vacancies exist, the President shall hold a filing period of at
least nine (9) days for potential applicants and, with advice of the Vice President for Business & Operations and the
Personnel Director, present at least two (2) names to the Board for selection and ratification. Notice of such vacancies
shall be advertised in the Western Front and the President shall wait at least five (5) working days after such notice
before making such appointments.
ARTICLE VI. Elections
Section 1. General Elections of the ASWWU: Shall be held in the last week of April each calendar year to elect
Directors whose terms shall then commence on the Monday of finals week of the spring academic quarter immediately
following said election.
Section 2. Special Elections: Special elections may be held at any time for the purpose of deciding recalls of any
issues of concern to students. Notice must be given at least fourteen (14) days prior to the conducting of the election.
Section 3. Referendum: A referendum to the membership of the ASWWU may be initiated by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors and included in the general or special election.
Section 4. Initiative: An initiative measure shall be referred to the membership of the ASWWU upon receipt of a
petition containing the verified signatures of no less than five percent (5%) of the membership of the ASWWU. The
provisions set forth in Section VIII. A. 1 - 6 of the ASWWU Election Code shall apply with reference to process and
deadlines.
Section 5. Recall: Any member of the ASWWU Board of Directors may be recalled by a majority vote in a special
election. Recall is initiated by a petition containing the verified signatures of no less than forty percent (40%) of the
membership of the ASWWU voting in the last general election or by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the ASWWU Board of
Directors currently holding office. A special election for the purpose of recall shall be held not less than fourteen (14)
or more than twenty-one (21) days after the recall petition or resolution is presented to the Vice President for Business
& Operations.
ARTICLE VII. Board Expenses
The Board of Directors may expend no money or materials in a partisan, intra-association election matter.
ARTICLE VIII. Amendments
Amendments to these Bylaws require a majority vote of the ASWWU in a special or general election.
Bylaws of the Associated Students of Western Washington University
A Nonprofit Association
July, 2007
ARTICLE I. Name and Objective of the Association
Section 1. Name: This association shall be known as the Associated Students of Western Washington University,
hereinafter called the ASWWU.
Section 2. Objective: The ASWWU exists to support leadership development; ensure student representation in
decisions that impact students; provide resources, activities and information for students; and provide opportunities for
students to organize themselves around their special interests, in order to further achieve the mission of the University
and complement classroom education.
ARTICLE II. Membership
Section 1. Qualification: The membership of the ASWWU shall consist of those persons who are currently enrolled
students at Western Washington University.
Section 2. Assignment of Rights of Membership: No rights or privileges of membership in the ASWWU, including that
of the right to vote, shall be assignable by any member. Each member shall have one (1) vote at a meeting of the
whole members.
ARTICLE III. Government of the ASWWU
Section 1. Board of Directors: The general management of the funds, affairs and property of the ASWWU shall be
vested in a Board of Directors, who shall be elected and shall serve as provided in these Bylaws. The number of
directors shall be seven (7), selected as set forth in Article V. of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Officers: The officers of the ASWWU shall consist of a President, Vice President for Business &
Operations, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Legislative & Governmental Affairs, Vice President
for Activities, Vice President for Diversity and a Vice President for Student Life, who shall be elected to these positions
concurrently as Directors as provided in Article V., Section 4. of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE IV. Meetings
Section 1. Meetings of the Members: Meetings may be held from time to time upon notice issued by the Board of
Directors. Meetings of the members of the ASWWU shall be called by the Board of Directors upon receipt of a written
petition requesting the same signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the total members of the ASWWU. Notice of
such meetings shall be printed in the Western Front, or its successor, and posted in the following public places in a
conspicuous manner, not less than ten (10) days previous thereto: Viking Union Building, Viking Union Market,
Associated Students Co-op Bookstore, Old Main Building, and Miller’s Coffee Shop.
Section 2. Quorum for Members Meeting: At any meeting of the ASWWU five percent (5%) of all the members shall
constitute a quorum.
Section 3. Failure to Have Quorum: If a quorum is not present, the presiding officer may adjourn the meeting to a day
and hour fixed by that person.
Section 4. Meetings of the Board of Directors: Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President
whenever in his/her judgment it may be deemed necessary or upon request of any two (2) members of the Board of
Directors. Twenty-four (24) hours notice of meetings of the Board of Directors shall be sent to all Directors and shall
be deemed sufficient notice of such meetings. In addition, the time and place of Directors' meetings shall be
publicized in advance of the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum for Board Meeting: A majority of the currently seated Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.
2
Section 6. Voting: In order for a motion to pass, it must obtain a majority of the legal votes cast, but not less than four
(4) affirmative votes. An abstention shall not count as a legal vote cast.
ARTICLE V. Organization of the ASWWU
Section 1. Management of the ASWWU: The Board of Directors shall have general charge and management of the
affairs, funds, and property of the ASWWU. The Board shall have full power and it shall be the Board's duty to carry
out the purposes of the ASWWU according to its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
a. Financial Maintenance of the ASWWU: The Board of Directors shall in good faith work to maintain the
financial health of the organization through careful appropriations of all monies governed by the Board as
set forth by policy.
b. Appropriation of Uncommitted Dollars: Uncommitted dollars are those dollars that are accumulated on a
one-time basis and because of the unstable nature of these dollars they are not viable for incorporation
into the budgetary process. The Board shall not use these dollars to fund on-going programs but shall use
them for one-time purchases or investments for the organization as a whole.
Section 2. Councils Established: General charge and management of the affairs, funds and property of the ASWWU
in certain specific areas shall be delegated to councils established by the Board of Directors. Councils are hereby
established and authority delegated for matters set forth below:
a. Activities Council: To establish policies and coordinate a wide range of student activities, programs, and
organizations. Distribute available programming monies according to guidelines developed by the Board
of Directors.
b. Facilities & Services Council: To establish policies and oversee the operations of the Bookstore, Viking
Union, Lakewood, and any other facilities or services provided by the ASWWU for the university
community.
c. Legislative Affairs Council: To increase student involvement, formulate policies and positions of the
ASWWU relating to legislative activities, community governance and relations, national affairs and
external matters.
d. Student Senate: To serve as an advisory council to the ASWWU Board of Directors and to increase
student input and involvement in the Board’s decision-making process.
e. University Services Council: To formulate and oversee university policies and procedures governing
various student activities and programs for the mutual benefit of the members of the ASWWU. The
Council is an all-University Council reporting to the ASWWU Board of Directors. A two-thirds (2/3)
majority of the Board is required to secure changes in policies established or recommended by the
University Services Council.
Section 4. Directors Positions: The seven (7) members of the Board of Directors of the ASWWU shall be elected to
the following designated titles and shall concurrently serve in the following official capacities:
• President of the Associated Students; Chair of the Board of Directors
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Business & Operations; Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Academic Affairs
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Legislative & Governmental Affairs
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Activities
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Diversity
• Vice President of the Associated Students for Student Life
3
Section 5. Board Members: Shall be elected by the members of the ASWWU at-large. The term of office of each
director shall be one (1) year, or until a qualified successor is elected. The terms of Directors holding positions shall
be concurrent; each term commencing on the Monday of finals week of spring quarter of the current year and ending
on the Sunday prior to finals week of the following spring quarter.
Section 6. Vacancies: In the event of a vacancy in the position of President, the Vice President for Business &
Operations shall assume that position. In the event a vacancy exists in both the President and the Vice President for
Business & Operations, the Vice President for Diversity shall assume the President’s position on an interim basis until
a special election is held to fill the vacancies. If a vacancy exists in the Vice President for Business & Operations, a
special election shall be held to fill the vacancy. If other vacancies exist, the President shall hold a filing period of at
least nine (9) days for potential applicants and, with advice of the Vice President for Business & Operations and the
Personnel Director, present at least two (2) names to the Board for selection and ratification. Notice of such vacancies
shall be advertised in the Western Front and the President shall wait at least five (5) working days after such notice
before making such appointments.
ARTICLE VI. Elections
Section 1. General Elections of the ASWWU: Shall be held in the last week of April each calendar year to elect
Directors whose terms shall then commence on the Monday of finals week of the spring academic quarter immediately
following said election.
Section 2. Special Elections: Special elections may be held at any time for the purpose of deciding recalls of any
issues of concern to students. Notice must be given at least fourteen (14) days prior to the conducting of the election.
Section 3. Referendum: A referendum to the membership of the ASWWU may be initiated by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors and included in the general or special election.
Section 4. Initiative: An initiative measure shall be referred to the membership of the ASWWU upon receipt of a
petition containing the verified signatures of no less than five percent (5%) of the membership of the ASWWU. The
provisions set forth in Section VIII. A. 1 - 6 of the ASWWU Election Code shall apply with reference to process and
deadlines.
Section 5. Recall: Any member of the ASWWU Board of Directors may be recalled by a majority vote in a special
election. Recall is initiated by a petition containing the verified signatures of no less than forty percent (40%) of the
membership of the ASWWU voting in the last general election or by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the ASWWU Board of
Directors currently holding office. A special election for the purpose of recall shall be held not less than fourteen (14)
or more than twenty-one (21) days after the recall petition or resolution is presented to the Vice President for Business
& Operations.
ARTICLE VII. Board Expenses
The Board of Directors may expend no money or materials in a partisan, intra-association election matter.
ARTICLE VIII. Amendments
Amendments to these Bylaws require a majority vote of the ASWWU in a special or general election.